State of the Union? More of the Same!

Tuesday January 29, 2008

Last night, I attended George W. Bush’s eighth and final State of the Union and got a preview of what we can expect for his final year in office.

Let me sum it up for you: more of the same.

We all know that the current economic downturn is a direct result of the Bush-Republican record of incompetence that has left middle class families behind to face skyrocketing gas prices, overwhelming health care costs, and astronomical college tuition rates.

So, what is Mr. Bush’s answer? More of the same! More deficit-financed tax cuts for the wealthy, of course! The time has come to change course!

But right now, groups like Freedom’s Watch are amassing giant war chests to take down the Democratic majority to continue the failed Bush-Republican policies of massive taxpayer giveaways to favored corporations like Halliburton.

Please help me fight the Bush-Republican agenda this year. Your donation of $250, $100, $50, $25 or more will help me hold President Bush and his Right-Wing allies accountable.

Since President Bush took office in January 2001, the unemployment rate has increased by 19% and the long-term joblessness rate has doubled, making job creation the worst since the Hoover Administration.

Since President Bush took office in January 2001, the price at the gas pump has jumped 107%!

With your contribution of $250, $100, $50, $25 or more, let’s tell President Bush that we expect change. Let’s tell him that the time for more of the same is over.

While there are only 356 days left of President Bush’s term in office, the forces of status quo are working to keep the Bush-Republican legacy alive.

Together, let’s move this country forward!

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Stand Up Against Senator Coburn and Genetic Discrimination!

Thursday September 13, 2007

Please sign our petition to tell Senator Coburn that blocking the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is unacceptable!

GINA will make discriminatory practices using genetics illegal by prohibiting health insurers from against any individual because of a genetic predisposition to develop a disease in the future and bars employers from using genetic information for hiring, firing, or other decisions (more details on GINA here).

Though an arcane rule in the U.S. Senate, Senator Coburn has placed a hold on GINA, effectively preventing its passage. What’s more, Senator Coburn is blocking GINA even though he supported an identical version last Congress!

Stand Up Against Sen. Coburn and Genetic Discrimination!

“We, the undersigned, demand that Sen. Coburn remove his hold on the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and submit to the will of the House, Senate, President of the United States, and the American people to prevent unfair genetic discrimination.”

Sign The Petition and Stand Up Against Sen. Coburn and Genetic Discrimination!

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Welcome to my Website

Sunday July 29, 2007

Welcome to my Website. Your new Democratic Congress continues to fight for a new direction for America. As the proud Representative for New York’s 28th Congressional District and the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Rules, I’m proud to be playing an important rule in this new majority.

Since January we have implemented oversight and investigation abandoned on the Republicans, passed legislation through the House that will have a meaningful impact on everything from Global Warming to College Loan Relief. We have also been busy attempting to change the course of the disastrous war in Iraq and set a policy that will bring out troops home safely.

I hope you will take a minute to explore my website, sign-up to receive my email updates, and continue to support this new Democratic Majority.

Thank You,

Louise Slaughter

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No Child Left Behind Op-Ed

Sunday July 29, 2007

A new op-ed by Congresswoman Slaughter appears today in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle with her thoughts on the current state of the No Child Left Behind Act.

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Democratic Congress Off to A Great Start

Sunday January 21, 2007

The last time I wrote to you, I told you about six promises Democrats were making to the American people – six goals we were determined to achieve in the first 100 hours of the new Congress.

Well, I am as pleased as can be to report that we made good on those promises. Since January 4th, Democrats have reached out to Republicans and passed a series of bills reflecting some of the top priorities of voters. We passed legislation to restore honesty and openness to our government, to re-establish fiscal responsibility, to strengthen our national security, and to expand hope and opportunity for all Americans. We passed bills to cut federal student loan interest rates in half, to raise the minimum wage, to end subsidies for Big Oil, to promote stem cell research, to lower Medicare prescription drug prices, and to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. And we did it all with 58 hours to spare.

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Happy Holidays

Tuesday December 19, 2006

As we get ready to celebrate this holiday season, I wanted to thank you once again for helping us to take our country back. We Democrats have been busy since America voted for a New Direction on November 7th.

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Thank You

Sunday November 12, 2006

You did it. On Tuesday, people from every corner of the country went to the polls determined to get our country moving in a new direction. They sent Democrats to Washington – Democrats who have the fresh ideas America needs to get back on track.

Your work made it happen – and it wasn’t always easy. This victory was years in the making, and this online community was a huge part of it: raising money, awareness, and turning out a record number of voters.

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A Straight Shooting, Honest Politician

Sunday October 22, 2006

The East Rochester Post recently endorsed Rep. Louise M. Slaughter for Congress, calling her a “straight shooter,” lauding her willingness to always speak her mind, and applauding her status as a truly “honest politician.” The Post wrote that Rep. Slaughter has “worked hard to steer federal money to the district,” and has “been a long-time champion of what she calls progressive stands for women’s rights, workers’ rights, health care and public art.” Click on “more” to read an excerpt from the East Rochester Post’s endorsement of Rep. Slaughter:

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Slaughter Says Military Detainment Legislation Designed to Shield Administration Officials from Prosecution Under War Crimes Act

Tuesday October 3, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, spoke out against the Military Commissions Act, the military detainment legislation passed by Congress on September 29, 2006.

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At Home and Abroad, Administration Puts Cronyism Before Competence

Monday September 25, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, expressed her deep concern over news reports on Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) staffing appointments made during the critically important initial months of the Iraq War:

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Slaughter Announces Over $962,000 in Federal Funding for Physical Education in Monroe County Schools

Tuesday September 5, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, announced last week that the East Irondequoit School District and the Fairport Central School District have been awarded a combined total of $962,624 in federal funding for their physical education programs.

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Slaughter Announces $766,150 Grant to Assist Buffalo's Efforts Against Domestic Violence

Saturday September 2, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee announced last week that the City of Buffalo has been granted $766,150 from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

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Slaughter Slams the Republican Leadership's Divisive Agenda in Congress

Sunday July 23, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, spoke out against the divisive and diversionary agenda embraced by the Republican Majority in the House last week.

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Slaughter Announces $677,434 for Area Veterans

Friday June 30, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, announced last week that the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded three grants in total of $677,434 to charitable veterans organizations in the Rochester area. Rep. Slaughter contacted DOL in support of the grants.

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Slaughter Secures $16.25 Million for New York's 28th District

Tuesday June 27, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, announced last week that she had secured $16.25 million in federal funds for the 28th district. The funding will support initiatives in Rochester, Buffalo, Niagara, Penfield, and Lewiston.

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Slaughter Slams the "Paris Hilton" Tax-Cut Bill

Monday June 26, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, urged her colleagues on the floor last week to defeat the Permanent Estate Tax Relief Act of 2006, which she labeled as the Republican “Paris Hilton” Tax-Cut Bill.

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Rep. Slaughter Receives George Eastman House Medal of Honor Award

Sunday June 11, 2006

On Monday, June 5, 2006, the George Eastman House presented Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter with the Medal of Honor Award. Rep. Slaughter was the first recipient of this prestigious award which the Eastman House has created for meritorious service to the advancement of the principles embodied by George Eastman.

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Help Slaughter Clean the House!

Wednesday May 17, 2006

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter will be saluted on Thursday, June 1st in support of her work cleaning up the culture of corruption that is so pervasive in the Republican-led House of Representatives. The event will take place at Cole’s Restaurant located at 1104 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY starting at 6 pm. The program is being hosted by Dr. Michael and Rosa Ziolkowski. Come celebrate with Louise and set the course for future victories!

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Dr. Michael Ziolkowski by May 26 at ziolkowskimf@yahoo.com

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Slaughter Links Republican Corruption to Pain at the Pump

Sunday May 7, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, was joined by Representatives Henry A. Waxman and Kendrick Meek at a press conference on April 26, 2006, highlighting the cost of the corruption embraced by the current Republican rubberstamp Congress and its impact on skyrocketing gas prices nationwide.

The event came on the heels of an expected vote on a Republican lobby “reform” bill that Democrats and most observers believe to do little to change the way Washington Republicans conduct business.

Rep. Slaughter also called for immediate hearings on legislation she introduced to reduce gas prices nation wide.

To read the complete text of Rep. Slaughter’s remarks click on more.

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Celebrate 30 Years of Louise!

Monday April 10, 2006

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter will be saluted on Sunday April 23 in celebration of her thirty years of public service. The event will take place at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center at 123 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14604 beginning with a Cocktail and VIP Reception at 5:00pm, followed by dinner and a tribute program at 6:00pm. The program will feature remarks from the event’s special guests, including Senator Hillary Clinton and Actress Jane Alexander, to mark this milestone occasion. Come celebrate with Louise and set the course for future victories!

To purchase tickets or for more information, please contact Elaine Leshnower with Louise Slaughter’s Re-Election Committee by email at eleshnower@usadatanet.net

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President's Budget Is Leaving New York Behind

Sunday March 5, 2006

President’s Budget is leaving New York behind. His misplaced Priorities is putting job training, education, and health care further out of reach.

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Rep. Slaughter Continues to Work on Preserving the Future of Great Lakes Region

Friday March 3, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, joined the president of SUNY Brockport, Dr. John R. Halstead, and Dr. Joseph Makarewicz, the Director of Brockport’s Environmental Science and Biology Department, at an event celebrating the University’s planned Great Lakes center. The Congresswoman then took a tour of Brockport’s environmental science and biology facilities, and discussed her continued work on behalf of the Great Lakes region.

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America For Sale: New Report Documents Cost of Republican Corruption for American People

Friday February 24, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, yesterday released a report, “America for Sale: The Cost of Republican Corruption”, documenting the unprecedented level of corruption which has come to define Congress and the federal government under Republican leadership.

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Caught in the Act: By CIA's Own Standards, White House Damaged U.S. Intelligence Efforts

Sunday February 12, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, responded to comments made by CIA Director Porter Goss denouncing government officials who leak intelligence information to reporters. His statements came on the same day that new reports revealed that I. Lewis Libby, Dick Cheney’s former Chief of Staff, had been ordered by the White House to leak classified intelligence estimates of Iraq’s pre-war weapons capabilities to members of the press.

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Republican Reform Bill MIA

Sunday February 12, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, called on Rep. David Dreier (R-CA-26) to live up to his responsibilities as leader of the Republican ethics reform effort and put a reform bill before the House:

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Rep. Slaughter to Host Four Town Hall Meetings on February 11th

Friday February 3, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, will host four public town hall meetings on February 11th. Click on more for details.

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SOTU: Bush Effort to Address Energy Alternatives is a Day Late and a Gallon Short

Thursday February 2, 2006

Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, released issued a strong statement on President Bush’s dismal record on energy policy in anticipation of his remarks tonight during the State of the Union Address on creating “Energy Alternatives”:

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Slaughter Calls on Bush to Address Culture of Corruption in State of the Union Address

Monday January 30, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and spokesperson for the Democratic Caucus and Ethics Reform released the following statement:

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Based on History, Slaughter Questions Republican Commitment to Ethics Reform

Friday January 13, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, today questioned the commitment of the Republican Party to real ethics reform within the House and Senate. Her comments were based on a long history of Republican obstructionism regarding the issue of Congressional ethics.

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Women Members Declare Alito Poses "Direct Threat to Rights of Women in America"

Thursday January 12, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, joined Representative Hilda Solis (D-CA-32) and 20 other Democratic Women Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in issuing a letter urging members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to oppose the confirmation of Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr. to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Slaughter to Deliver the National Democratic Radio Address This Week

Friday January 6, 2006

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, will deliver the National Democratic Radio Address from WXXI radio in Rochester this Saturday, January 7, 2005. She will discuss the growing ethical crisis and the need for honest leadership in Washington. While local radio stations do not carry this speech, the cable network channel C-Span will carry both starting at 2:50 pm. You will also be able to listen and read her speech at the national Democratic Committee’s web site.

So, please tune in this Saturday, and let Rep. Slaughter know what you think by posting your comments here. Click on “more” below for backgrounder on Jack Abramoff and the Republican culture of corruption.

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Slaughter Announces $100,000 Federal Appropriation for Ryan Community Center

Friday December 23, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, joined Mayor William A Johnson Jr., Mayor-Elect Bob Duffy, and Dr. Manny Rivera, Superintendent of the Rochester City School District (RCSD), to announce a $100,000 federal appropriation secured by Rep. Slaughter for the New Thomas P. Ryan Jr. Community Center. The event also highlighted the new partnership between the Ryan Center and RCSD, which will result in the construction of a unique and dynamic community and education-oriented facility.

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Slaughter Calls for House Hearings on Spying on Americans

Tuesday December 20, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Members of the House Rules Committed, called upon Congressman James Sensenbrenner Jr., Chairman of the House Judiciary Comittee, and Congressman Peter Hoekstra, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, to hold hearings demanding answers on reports that President George W. Bush authorized the National Security Agency in 2002 to spy on American citizens without court-approved warrants.

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Slaughter Calls on Bush Administration to Implement Findings of Great Lakes Collaboration

Sunday December 18, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a Co-Chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, issued the following statement on Tuesday, December 13, in response to the release of the final report of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC).

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Slaughter Highlights Pattern of Republican Abuse of Power and Misgovernment in Federal Agencies

Thursday December 15, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) highlighted the unending pattern of abuse of power and corrupt governance so tightly linked to the current Republican Administration and called for immediate reform. Her remarks came in response to reports that the Department of Justice will now prevent staff attorneys from making recommendations in major Voting Rights Act cases. The decision is a clear attempt to hide the Majority’s past redistricting abuses in Texas and other states, abuses which staff attorneys have made more visible, and to politicize a government function which should remain impartial.

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Slaughter Announces $119,673 Federal Grant to Fairport's Barker Fire Station

Sunday December 11, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is pleased to announce that the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) have awarded $119,673 to the Barker Fire Station. This is the first time that Barker has received an SLGCP grant.

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Republicans to America: Let Them Eat Cake

Sunday December 11, 2005

Washington, DC: Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, chastised a Republican tax bill making permanent $56 billion in capital gains tax cuts largely designed to benefit the wealthiest one percent of Americans. The bill came just two weeks after the Majority forced a budget reconciliation bill through Congress cutting 50 billion dollars from education, healthcare, foster care, child support and a host of other vital social programs. The full text of Rep. Slaughter’s speech, as prepared, is included below:

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Slaughter Applauds Deal Reached Between Buffalo, Erie County and NYPA

Thursday December 8, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, applauded the deal which was reached between the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and New York Power Authority (NYPA).

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After 5 Weeks Vacation... House GOP Hurricane Katrina Response

Wednesday September 7, 2005

Tonight, after five weeks vacation, in the wake of what is quickly becoming the worst natural disaster in American history, the Republican Leadership in the House of Representatives made the decision to limit floor consideration of the Federal response to Hurricane Katrina to just forty minutes. (more...)

Slaughter Files Financial Safeguards for Hurricane Survivors Act

Wednesday September 7, 2005

Last night Louise introduced H.R. 3662, the Financial Safeguards for Hurricane Survivors Act. The new legislation calls for a two-year delay in the implementation of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005, passed earlier this year. (more...)

Underwhelming Response in Wake of Hurricane Katrina

Friday September 2, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, issues the following statement in response to the lack of accountability and poor response in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. (more...)

Louise to Speak at EschaCon 2005, Satuday in Philly

Tuesday August 30, 2005

Louise will be addressing EschaCon 2005 this Saturday, September 3, 2005 at 2:00pm in Philadelphia. EschaCon 2005 is a gathering of concerned citizens meeting in Philadelphia on Labor Day weekend, 2005. Attendees have been brought together through the progressive political blog Eschaton, hosted by Duncan Black (aka Atrios). (more...)

CAFTA Goes to Rules at Last Minute, Slaughter Cautions GOP on Abusive Tactics

Tuesday July 26, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, expressed deep concern today that as debate on CAFTA moves forward, Republican Leaders in the House will once again bend and manipulate the rules of debate to force their will on Congress and the American People, just as they did during the Medicare debate of the 108th Congress. (more...)

Slaughter Seeks Answers at Congressional Rove Hearing

Friday July 22, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, took part today in a joint hearing of the Democratic Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee and the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, to examine the national security implications of disclosing the identity of a covert intelligence officer. (more...)

Slaughter Introduces Emergency Contraception Edu. Act

Thursday July 21, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, introduced the Emergency Contraception Act along with 48 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives this week. (more...)

Slaughter Leads Debate on Patriot Act Reauthorization

Thursday July 21, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, today led the floor rules debate on the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act. Along party lines, Republicans on the Committee voted to remove Congressional oversight and make permanent a number of key but also controversial provisions. (more...)

Slaughter, Thousands to Send Karl Rove His Pink Slip

Tuesday July 12, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, today announced an online grassroots campaign targeting Karl Rove. In recent days Rep. Slaughter has called on President Bush to keep his word and fire Mr. Rove for leaking the identity of Valerie Plame, an undercover CIA agent. (more...)

Slaughter to Bush: "Keep Your Word and Fire Rove."

Tuesday July 12, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, today called on President Bush to keep his word and fire Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove for his role in leaking the identity of Ambassador Joe Wilson’s wife, Valerie Plame, an undercover agent for the CIA. (more...)

Slaughter Responds to Retirement of Justice O'Connor

Friday July 1, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, released the following statement regarding this morning’s announcement that United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will be retiring upon the confirmation of her replacement. (more...)

House Passes Slaughter Amendment Aimed at Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning

Thursday June 30, 2005

Yesterday, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, offered an amendment with Reps. Lee Terry (R-NE) and Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) to reinstate $48 million for the crucial lead-based paint remediation grant program. (more...)

$2.3 Million for Rochester Organization to Promote Rural Development

Thursday June 30, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, announced that the Department of Labor has awarded two separate grants totaling $2,373,403 to Rural Opportunities, Inc. of Rochester, New York. (more...)

$615,000 in Research Grants for University of Rochester

Thursday June 30, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is pleased to announce that the University of Rochester is set to receive three separate grants for a combined total of $615,000. Two grants were awarded from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the third was awarded from the National Cancer Institute. (more...)

$183,000 Research Grant for University of Buffalo

Thursday June 30, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is pleased to announce that the University of Buffalo is set to receive a grant of $183,000 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (more...)

Republicans Oppose Health Care for Vets

Tuesday June 28, 2005

Late Monday evening Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-CA) along with Reps. Hastings (R-WA), Capito (R-WV), Cole (R-OK), Bishop (R-UT) and Gingrey (R-GA) voted against taking care of a budget shortfall the Bush Administration recently announced has opened up in our country’s veterans’ health care system. (more...)

Research Grant Awarded to University of Rochester

Tuesday June 28, 2005

Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, is pleased to announce that the University of Rochester is set to receive a grant of $142, 000 from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (more...)

Slaughter Applauds Wine Compromise

Friday June 24, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), the leading voice in Congress to end bans on direct shipment of wine to consumers in other states, today praised a compromise reached between Gov. George Pataki and the New York State Legislature to allow the shipment of New York wine to consumers in other states. (more...)

Slaughter Announces $27,000 for Community Service Group

Thursday June 23, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, announced today that The Community Place of Greater Rochester will receive a grant in the amount of $27,000 from The Corporation for National Community Service to benefit a local foster grandparent program. (more...)

Slaughter Leads Rules Debate on Funding of Public Broadcasting

Thursday June 23, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, today led debate on the rule concerning the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill. Her opening remarks were a stinging repudiation of the Republican Majority’s attempt to eliminate funding for public broadcasting. Rep. Slaughter is a co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus and the Future of American Media Caucus. (more...)

GAO to Investigate White House Contracts with Media

Tuesday June 21, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, announced Tuesday morning that the General Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to investigate possible contracts between various media and public relations entities and seven White House cabinet level departments. (more...)

Slaughter Secures Base Visit from 4th BRAC Commissioner

Monday June 20, 2005

Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, has received assurances from BRAC Commissioner James Bilbray that he would take part in the June 27th visit to NFARS and Regional Hearing in Buffalo. The BRAC Commission has since confirmed his attendance. (more...)

Slaughter Announces New Hope for Homeless Vets

Thursday June 16, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, announced today a number of grants awarded to local organizations that will provide emergency shelter, job counseling, substance abuse counseling and employment services for homeless veterans. (more...)

$12.5 Million in Defense Funding for Local Projects

Monday June 13, 2005

At a press conference this morning at The Rochester Airport, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport) announced that she has secured $12.5 million in funds for local projects in the House Department of Defense appropriations bill. (more...)

Slaughter Demands GOP Ethics Chief Step Aside

Thursday June 9, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, responded this afternoon to Republican Ethics Committee Chairman Doc Hastings’ rejection of tradition by refusing to name a non-partisan committee staff director. His actions have led to a stand still delaying any work in the Committee for the second time in just six months. (more...)

Slaughter Calls for Audit in Iraq

Sunday June 5, 2005

Famed writer and political commentator George Orwell once wrote that, “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” Even when we are not sleeping peaceably, and are instead working, or striving, or worrying about the events of our lives, we must remember… (more...)

Slaughter Increases National Arts and Humanities Funding by $15 Million

Wednesday June 1, 2005

This morning, Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-Fairport) was joined by leaders from the Rochester arts community at the George Eastman House to announce that the House of Representatives approved Ms. Slaughter’s NEA/NEH amendment (known as the Slaughter/Shays/Dicks/ Leach/Price Amendment) to the Interior and Environmental Bill which passed two weeks ago. (more...)

Lawmakers Form Bipartisan E-Waste Working Group

Tuesday May 24, 2005

Washington, DC – Two Republicans and two Democrats joined forces today in the fight to reduce electronic waste (e-waste). Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Duke Cunningham (R-CA), Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Mary Bono (R-CA) announced the formation of the Congressional E-Waste Working Group at a news conference this morning. (more...)

NEXUS Expansion & 'Phony Badge' Amendments Pass

Wednesday May 18, 2005

Two Amendments to the Homeland Security Authorization Bill, which were offered today by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, were debated and passed by the full House this afternoon. The amendments will be included in the final DHS Authorization legislation, which is expected to pass the full House this evening. (more...)

American Icon Threatened by White House Inaction

Tuesday May 17, 2005

The Buffalo Color Company (BCC), the last American producer of the indigo dye used to color blue jeans, is on the brink of bankruptcy, having filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2002. (more...)

'Deep Disappointment' over NFAB's Inclusion on BRAC

Friday May 13, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter released the following statement upon learning this morning that the Niagara Falls Air Base has been included on the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) List by the U.S. Military. (more...)

Members Outline Efforts to Keep Niagara Falls Air Base Open

Friday May 13, 2005

Following the Department of Defense’s announcement this morning that the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS) is to be included on the list of military base closures, U.S. Representatives Thomas M. Reynolds (R-Clarence), Louise Slaughter (D-Fairport), Brian Higgins (D-South Buffalo), and Randy Kuhl (R-Hammondsport), discussed efforts to reverse the military’s decision. (more...)

Popular COPS Program Effectively Killed by Republicans

Wednesday May 11, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, spoke out Wednesday morning in response to a Republican led party line vote in the Rules Committee against reauthorizing the popular and successful Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. (more...)

Republican Abuse of Power in Iraq Spending Bill

Thursday May 5, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, today led debate on the rule concerning the supplemental Iraqi War Appropriations Bill. Citing the Republican Majority’s decision to include the unrelated and controversial “Real I.D.” immigration legislation in a bill intended to help our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rep. Slaughter delivered the following remarks focusing attention on yet another Republican abuse of power. (more...)

House GOP Votes to Allow More Media Manipulation and Fake News Reports at Taxpayer Expense

Tuesday May 3, 2005

On Tuesday evening, May 3rd, the House Rules Committee reported a restrictive rule providing for the consideration of H.R. 366-the Vocational & Technical Education for the Future Act. It is anticipated that this rule and the bill will be on the House floor tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4th. (more...)

Rep. Slaughter Reacts to GOP Ethics Retreat

Wednesday April 27, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, released the following statement, which she will deliver on the House floor during the upcoming debate on the… (more...)

The "Sensenbrenner Standard" is Another Abuse of Power

Tuesday April 26, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, delivered the attached statement on the House Floor this morning regarding the gross abuse of power by Chairman James Sensenbrenner and the Majority on the Judiciary… (more...)

New FOIA'd Gannon Documents Create More Questions

Monday April 25, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, and Rep. John Conyers (D-MI-14), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee today released a letter written to White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. (more...)

Slaughter asks GAO to Conduct a Study on Economic Impact of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative

Friday April 22, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, has written a letter to the Government Accountability Office asking them to conduct a study on the economic consequences of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Rep. Slaughter is concerned that the initiative, which requires all citizens to have a passport when crossing between the United States and Canada, will be detrimental to border economies, slow trade, and hurt tourism. (more...)

Formation of the 'Future of American Media Caucus'

Tuesday April 19, 2005

With Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently debating how to overhaul the nation’s media policies, six Members of the U.S. House of Representatives today announced the formation of the Future of American Media (FAM) Caucus. Chaired by Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) along with co-chairs Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. David Price (D-NC), Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA), and Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), the FAM Caucus will provide a venue where reasoned debate, expert analysis, and diverse points of view can come together to address critical media policy issues. (more...)

Bankruptcy: Another Closed Rule

Thursday April 14, 2005

This evening in the House Committee on Rules, Chairman David Dreier and the Majority voted on a straight party line to close the upcoming Bankruptcy Bill from any amendments on the House floor, clamping down on the democratic process in the House of Representatives once again. (more...)

Rules Committee Republicans Vote Against Disabled Veterans, the Sick and Victims of Identity Theft

Thursday April 14, 2005

Republican Members of the House Rules Committee voted today in Committee to kill several amendments to S-256, the “Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.” These amendments were designed to protect veterans who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan, families who have experienced a catastrophic medical event, and people who are the victims of identity theft. (more...)

Slaughter to Meet with DHS Officials on Passport Issue

Wednesday April 13, 2005

Tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 PM EST, Rep. Slaughter will be meeting with senior representatives of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in her Washington office at the Rayburn House Office Building to discuss her objections to the implementation of a new passport requirement for access to the U.S./Canadian border. (more...)

Chairman Dreier's Non-Response on Ethics Hearings

Tuesday April 12, 2005

On March 17, 2005, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) and the Democratic members of the House Committee on Rules called on Republican Chairman David Dreier to hold hearings on House ethics, and specifically on H. Res. 131, a bipartisan proposal to restore the ethics complaint process after it was unilaterally gutted by the Republican leadership at the beginning of the 109th Congress. (more...)

Slaughter to Bush: Effective Security Checks, Promotion of NEXUS Program the Answer for Northern Border Security

Wednesday April 6, 2005

In response to a recent announcement that passports will be required for all individuals who wish to cross the US/ Canadian border, Rep. Slaughter has the following response for President Bush. (more...)

Homeland Security Department To Provide Details On Gannon

Monday April 4, 2005

In a letter released today, the Department of Homeland Security indicated that they would begin compiling documentation on Jeff Gannon in an effort to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request made six weeks ago by Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and Rep. John Conyers, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee. (more...)

Slaughter is Featured Speaker at National Arts Advocacy Day

Wednesday March 16, 2005

A report issued by Americans for the Arts called Creative Industries 2005: The Congressional Report, which focuses on the creative industries as a growing sector of our national economy, has listed New York’s 28th District as 14th in the nation, with 19,163, for the number of art related jobs in 2005. The report also showed that the 28th District has 1,263 arts related business, an increase of 48 in the last year. (more...)

Slaughter Receives Assurance of Federal Meeting with Peace Bridge Authority

Thursday March 10, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28) has received assurances from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that a cancelled February 17th meeting with the Peace Bridge Authority will be rescheduled. Officials expect to conduct the meeting by the last week of the month. (more...)

Slaughter Introduces Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act

Thursday March 10, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, today, with a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress introduced legislation which seeks to prohibit improper use of genetic information for workforce and insurance decisions. (more...)

Slaughter Commissions New Government Reform Report on Soaring NY Gas Prices

Wednesday March 9, 2005

Analysts have suggested that gasoline prices will increase by at least 24 cents per gallon by the end of the month. In response, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) has commissioned the House Government Reform Committee to conduct a study, and issue a report on how these expected increases will affect New York’s 28th District. (more...)

Slaughter Announces $422,000 in Federal Funds for Niagara Falls Firefighter Safety Equipment

Wednesday March 9, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter of New York is proud to announce that the City of Niagara will receive over$422,000 in federal funding to buy badly needed firefighting equipment which will improve operations and fire… (more...)

GOP Out to Lunch in Response to Report on Abuse of Power

Wednesday March 9, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter of New York, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, joined with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California yesterday at a press conference where they unveiled the release of, “Broken Promises: The Death of Deliberative Democracy,” a new Congressional report detailing the unprecedented erosion of the democratic process in the Republican controlled Congress. (more...)

Questions Remain as Secret Service Response to Gannon Inquiry Comes Back Incomplete

Tuesday March 8, 2005

Yesterday, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, Ranking Member of the Rules Committee and Representative John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, received a letter from the Secret Service in response to their February 10, 2005, questions about how a conservative activist operating under the assumed name “Jeff Gannon” was cleared for entrance to the White House. (more...)

Reps. Conyers, Slaughter, Thompson, Rangel and Waxman Author Resolution of Inquiry on GannonGate

Thursday March 3, 2005

The Ranking Members for House Committees on Rules, Judiciary, Government Reform, Homeland Security and Ways and Means have authored a Resolution of Inquiry, which would require the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security to turn over all documentation regarding James Guckert’s (AKA Jeff Gannon) regular access to the White House. (more...)

House to Consider $25 Million in Transportation Funding for the 28th District

Thursday March 3, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) is proud to announce this morning the House Transportation Committee accepted an amendment that contained $25 million in critical transportation funding for New York’s 28th Congressional District. The bill is expected to be considered on the House… (more...)

Slaughter Calls for End to Unethical GOP Rules Changes

Wednesday March 2, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, welcomed today a proposal from Rep. Alan Mollohan (WV-01), Ranking Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. The proposal would reverse changes made in January to House Ethics procedures by the Republican Majority that were designed in large part to protect Majority Leader Tom DeLay. (more...)

Slaughter Applauds Successful Fast Ferry Auction

Monday February 28, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28) made the following statement after witnessing the successful auction of the Fast Ferry to the City of Rochester this morning. (more...)

Slaughter Calls on Special Prosecutor & GAO to Expand Investigations to Include Gannon

Wednesday February 23, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, and Rep. John Conyers (MI-14), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, called on Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald to look into the revelation that discredited reporter Jeff Gannon/James Guckert kept a diary detailing his days in the White House. (more...)

Slaughter Demands Answer: Why was Jeff Gannon in the White House Before Talon News Even Existed?

Thursday February 17, 2005

During the February 10 White House briefing, Press Secretary Scott McClellan stated that Jeff Gannon, ”...like anyone else, showed that he was representing a news organization that published regularly” in order to receive his day pass to press briefings. It has been confirmed that Jeff Gannon was in the White House briefing room, actively participating in these briefings, as early as February 28, 2003 a full month before Talon News even existed. (more...)

Slaughter Seeks Details From Homeland Security in Gannon/Plame Scandal in FOIA Request

Tuesday February 15, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, and Rep. John Conyers (MI-14), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, filed a Freedom of Information Act request today with the Department of Homeland Security asking for the release of all information related to Jeff Gannon, his credentialing/security clearance to cover the White House, the White House’s involvement in credentialing/clearing reporters, and Gannon’s involvement in the leaking of a classified Central Intelligence Agency memo containing the identity of undercover agent… (more...)

Slaughter Praised by FMC Employees for Working to Save Local Jobs

Friday February 11, 2005

Flanked by FMC employees at FMC’s Tonawanda plant, Rep. Louise M. Slaughter was praised this morning by plant General Manager Daryl Largiss for her long efforts to gain a change in the U.S. Department of Commerce policy which will impose a dumping duty on Chinese-made chemicals that competes with those made by FMC Corporation’s Tonawanda, New York persulfates chemical plant. (more...)

Slaughter Calls on Special Prosecutor to Investigate Gannon's Role in Plame CIA Document Leak Scandal

Friday February 11, 2005

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Rules, and Rep. John Conyers (MI-14), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, called on Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald to investigate the leaking of a classified Central Intelligence Agency memo containing the identity of undercover agent Valerie Plame to a man at the center of the White House Press Briefing Room scandal. (more...)